Dr. Leslie Dobson, a forensic psychologist, caused a stir online after she revealed that she doesn’t return her shopping trolley to the designated trolley bays inside supermarkets.
She posted a video of her controversial stance on social media.
In the video, she said that she doesn’t get her groceries inside the car and then leaves her kids in the vehicle to return the trolley.
She was then criticized by other customers who called her selfish and entitled.
One of the people who criticized her said that if she could get the cart, then she should return it.
Another person noted that the decision to leave the trolley in its designated spot after using it is a test of a person’s moral character.
However, the psychologist, who uses the handle @Drlesliedobson, said that her decision to not return the cart is about protecting her family and herself from potential predators.
During an interview with Newsweek magazine, the mum shared her thoughts on women who intentionally leave their shopping trolleys in the designated areas inside supermarkets to avoid getting judged.
She also said that her video was made to warn other women about the risks involved in returning their carts.
The woman stated that being in a parking lot can be frightening for people, especially when they know that potential predators are watching you. She said that if she doesn’t feel safe, she would usually leave her shopping trolley in the area behind her car or put it on the grass.
She also stated that she always makes sure that her car won’t roll away and that it’s safe.
She hit out at the people who criticized her on social media, saying that they didn’t understand who she was or her mission.
She said she received a lot of ignorant and flippant comments from people who watched the video for around five or seven seconds.
TikTok users defended the woman, with many of them stating that it was just the right thing to do. Some said that she should park her car next to the return area and bring her kids with her. Others commended her for being a good person.
Some people supported the woman, stating that walking to the trolley bay from the parking area is very risky nowadays.